There is still plenty to be decided ahead of the first-round selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, but the first half on picks have been decided and, more importantly, the top 10 picks have been finalized. Now, of course, there could be a trade or two that could switch things up; but for now, let all the mock drafts begin to pour in as we flood the postseason and early offseason with what-if scenarios for those looking to make a dramatic change in the direction their franchises are headed. Within the top 10 picks, three teams have winning records — with two of those being playoff teams having acquired these lucrative picks via previous trades. With that being said, here is a quick look at what to expect in the first 10 picks of the 2023 NFL Draft.
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1. Chicago Bears (3-14)
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Offensive needs: Offensive Tackle, Wide Receiver
Defensive needs: Defensive Tackle, Edge Rusher, Linebacker
Projected draft pick: Will Anderson Jr., Edge Rusher, Alabama
There are questions about whether Justin Fields could be traded to get a slightly newer quarterback in the draft. But if that does not (and should not) happen, expect the Chicago Bears to bolster his protection or add to their defense with the first overall pick — if they do not trade it to turn the first overall pick to two first-round picks.
2. Houston Texans (3-13-1)
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images
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Offensive needs: Quarterback, Offensive Guard, Center
Defensive needs: Defensive Lineman, Edge Rusher, Linebacker
Projected draft pick: Bryce Young, Quarterback, Alabama
The Texans could face some backlash for losing the first overall pick in the final week, depending on what the Bears do with that pick (trade or draft). But regardless of that, Houston will get one of the top two quarterbacks with its first overall pick, so not all is lost for a team in desperate need of a new QB 1.
3. Arizona Cardinals (4-13)
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Offensive needs: Offensive Guard, Center
Defensive needs: Linebacker, Edge Rusher, Cornerback
Projected draft pick: Tyree Wilson, Edge Rusher, Texas Tech
The Cardinals will have a whole new look in 2023 as they welcome in a new head coach; and with how much money is invested in QB 1 and WR 1, talks of a complete rebuild should hold off for another season. That being said, bolstering their offensive line or adding to their pass rush would be ideal to avoid another disappointing season.
4. Indianapolis Colts (4-12-1)
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Offensive needs: Quarterback, Offensive Tackle
Defensive needs: Edge Rusher, Cornerback
Projected draft pick: C.J. Stroud, Quarterback, Ohio State
The Colts took a massive step back this season and have more player personnel than they need to improve on this offseason. And while Indy could once again be in the sweepstakes for another veteran quarterback, fully expect them to get their QB 1 in the draft.
5. Seattle Seahawks (9-9) - via Trade with Broncos (5-12)
Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
Offensive needs: Center, Offensive Guard, Quarterback
Defensive needs: Safety, Defensive Tackle, Linebacker
Projected draft pick: Bryan Bresee, Defensive Lineman, Clemson
Quarterback Geno Smith could return after the career-resurrecting season he just had. But if he does not, the Seahawks could find themselves searching for Drew Lock's competition. However, that pick could come later (20th overall), and we could see the Seahawks addressing almost any other position on the field outside of running back and wide receiver.
6. Detroit Lions (9-8) - via Trade with Rams (5-12)
Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
Offensive needs: Offensive Guard, Tight End
Defensive needs: Defensive Lineman, Cornerback
Projected draft pick: Christian Gonzalez, Cornerback, Oregon
Detroit Lions fans could not be happier with the direction of their team as, after a 9-8 season, they have two picks within the first 18 picks of the draft. There is no question that their offense led the way and that getting some improvement with their defense would go along away toward taking that next step.
7. Las Vegas Raiders (6-11)
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Offensive needs: Offensive Tackle, Offensive Guard, Center, Quarterback
Defensive needs: Defensive Lineman, Linebacker, Safety
Projected draft pick: Paris Johnson Jr., Offensive Lineman, Ohio State
Easily the most disappointing team of 2022, the Raiders are reportedly set to move on from Derek Carr and should be in play to land a new QB 1 in free agency; but if all else fails, they might gamble on one early in the draft. If not, addressing their offensive line should be priority No. 1.
8. Atlanta Falcons (7-10)
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Offensive needs: Offensive Lineman, Running Back
Defensive needs: Cornerback, Linebacker, Safety
Projected draft pick: Jalen Carter, Defensive Lineman, Georgia
There are still questions about whether the Falcons truly think Desmond Ridder is their guy at QB; but that decision will not be made this draft, as there is too much uncertainty outside of the top two QBs. The Falcons need improvement on each line of defense and will address that early in the draft.
9. Carolina Panthers (7-10)
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Offensive needs: Quarterback, Wide Receiver, Center
Defensive needs: Edge Rusher, Cornerback
Projected draft pick: Quentin Johnston, Wide Receiver, TCU
Despite trading away their QB 1, RB 1 and WR 2, the Panthers finished with seven wins; but there are still questions about who will be under center for them in 2023. And as mentioned before, there is a lot of uncertainty in this draft class for QBs 3 to 5. So if Carolina cannot trade up, it might be comfortable in waiting for the 2024 draft to address that issue and deal with a more concerning one with pick No. 9.
10. Philadelphia Eagles - via Trade with Saints (7-10)
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Offensive needs: Offensive Lineman, Running Back
Defensive needs: Linebacker, Cornerback
Projected draft pick: Joey Porter Jr., Cornerback, Penn State
The rich get richer as the NFC's No. 1 seed this season gets a top 10 pick via a trade with the Saints. There is not much that is weak for the Eagles, but adding depth to their offensive or defensive line could be a course of action here. And with Miles Sanders and James Bradberry set to become free agents, finding their replacements if they were to leave would be vital.
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